IMAGES: Kalderash Roma from across Romania gather for an annual fest at Bistrita monastery

Every year thousands of Kalderash Roma from across Romania gather for an annual fest at Bistrita monastery.

Maria 'Mercedes' Chiciu, 3, shows off her belly dancing skills as her grandmother Exspertiza Dumitru looks on at the field near the Bistrita monastery where thousands of mostly Kalderash Roma have gathered on September 8, 2013 in Bistrita, Romania.

Copyright Getty Images

Kalderash Roma cousins pose for a photo outside the church during their annual visit to pay tribute to St. Gregory with their families at the Bistrita monastery on September 8, 2013 in Bistrita, Romania.

Copyright Getty Images

Kalderash Roma arrive to pay tribute and kiss the container of a relic of St. Gregory at the Bistrita monastery on September 8, 2013 in Bistrita, Romania.

Copyright Getty Images

Every year thousands of Kalderash Roma from across Romania arrive to visit the nearby monastery to pay tribute to St. Gregory and to gather at the field nearby for a day or more of feasting, dancing, visiting and business dealing.

Copyright Getty Images

Visitors enter the Bistrita monastery to pay tribute at a relic of St. Gregory on September 8, 2013 in Bistrita, Romania.

Copyright Getty Images

Visitors sit on a hillside overlooking the field near the Bistrita monastery where thousands of Kalderash Roma had gathered on September 8, 2013 in Bistrita, Romania.